Tom Cruise is a Hollywood icon known for his charming smile and captivating on-screen performances. However, his teeth have been a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. Some have noticed that his pearly whites show some oddities, while others have speculated about possible dental interventions when comparing his current smile to his earlier movies. In this article, we will provide a dental perspective on Tom Cruise’s teeth from his childhood all the way to the present day. This includes exploring the various factors that may have contributed to their current appearance and discussing the different dental procedures that could have been involved.
Tom Cruise’s Teeth: Before Procedures
Crowding
One of the main problems that Tom Cruise faced with his teeth was his severe crowding. This means that there were too many teeth in his mouth for the jaw space that is available. When this happens, the teeth can become crooked. In severe cases, the teeth may even start to push each other out of alignment. Crowding can be separated into three main types:
- Mild Crowding: Approximately up to 3mm of additional space is needed.
- Moderate Crowding: Approximately 3mm-6mm of additional space is needed.
- Severe Crowding: Approximately more than 6mm of additional space is needed.
Severe crowding was certainly the case with Tom Cruise’s teeth, specifically his upper set of teeth. In the before photos, you can see that his teeth are very close together. This is most clearly seen in his two maxillary incisors, which have been pushed forwards and toward his lips.
Crowding can severely affect one’s appearance and self-esteem, but it can also be bad for overall oral health. When the teeth are crowded, they can be difficult to clean properly. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
It is recommended that those with crowded teeth seek treatment from an orthodontist. Treatment options may include braces, expanders, or even extractions, as will be discussed below.
Teeth Discolouration
Another thing that you may have noticed about old photos of Tom Cruise’s teeth is that they are discoloured. While most cases of discolouration are due to the natural use of teeth, such as drinking wine, tea, or coffee, it can also be caused by smoking.
The reason why consuming certain beverages such as wine, tea, and coffee can cause tooth discolouration is due to the presence of certain staining chemicals in these drinks. For example, wine contains chromogens, compounds with strong pigments that stick to the teeth’s enamel, resulting in a yellow or brownish tint. Smoking, on the other hand, releases tar and nicotine into the mouth, which can stain the teeth and give them a yellow or brown appearance. The longer one smokes, the more discoloured their teeth become.
In those with similar discolouration, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and trying to rinse after acidic meals. You should also avoid smoking and excessive drinking. If one wants to whiten their teeth, there are a number of over-the-counter teeth whitening products available, as well as professional whitening treatments that can be done by your dentist.
Tom Cruise’s Teeth: Potential Procedures Undergone
Orthodontic Treatment and Extraction
Although we did not personally work on Tom Cruise’s teeth, we can see from the after photos that he has had some dental work done and can give our best guess as to what was done.
When facing severe crowding, the only way to fix the problem is through orthodontic treatment. This can be done with traditional braces or with Invisalign. Before undergoing orthodontic treatment, the crowding may have required several teeth to be removed in order to make room for the rest of the teeth, most likely the premolars (bicuspid teeth).
Regardless of what type of orthodontic treatment was done, it is clear that Tom Cruise’s teeth have been significantly straightened. This has dramatically improved his smile and overall appearance.
Veneers or Crowns
Another common treatment to fix the appearance of Tom Cruise’s teeth would be to get veneers or crowns. Veneers and crowns are essentially thin shells that are placed on top of someone’s teeth, which must first be worn down using a dental bur. They can be used to change the shape, size, and color of the teeth. If you are considering getting veneers, it is important to consult with a qualified dentist to see if they are right for you. Veneers are not right for everyone and they require maintenance just like your natural teeth.
Tom Cruise’s Teeth: Some Abnormalities Still Visible
Although Tom Cruise’s teeth look much better now, there are still some issues visible. This is because not all changes to your smile are possible without undergoing severe amounts of dental treatment over significant periods of time. One has to weigh the pros and cons of the time and effort needed to achieve a perfect smile with the minuscule differences that someone will see. Some of the issues we noticed that are still visible include:
Midline Shift Left
One notable feature of Tom Cruise’s teeth is that they appear to have a midline shift towards the left side of his face. The midline of your teeth is an imaginary line that bisects your teeth down the middle. In a perfect smile, the midline of the teeth should match up with the midline of the face. However, in Tom Cruise’s case, the midline of his teeth is shifted slightly to the left.
While it may seem like a minor issue, correcting a midline shift can be challenging and may require extensive orthodontic treatment. Moving all of the teeth back to the right to correct the midline shift would require complex adjustments of the teeth, jaw, and bite, making it an arduous process. Therefore, it is possible that Tom Cruise’s orthodontist decided to leave his teeth with a midline shift rather than attempt to correct it completely, especially if the shift was not causing any functional problems. Ultimately, the decision to leave the midline shift in place may have been a compromise between achieving optimal aesthetics and preserving function and stability.
Central Incisors Canted to the Left
In addition to having a midline shift, Tom Cruise’s teeth also appear to be canted, or tilted, to the left. This can be due to genetics or crowding, as mentioned before. While this may not be immediately noticeable, it can give his smile an asymmetrical appearance.
A Note on Analyzing Tom Cruise’s Teeth
It is important to note that teeth are not immune to the effects of aging, and nobody’s teeth are perfect. Like the rest of your body, your teeth will slowly wear down as you age. Additionally, various lifestyle factors, both inside and outside of a person’s control, can affect one’s teeth. This is no different from the teeth of someone such as Tom Cruise.
This article is designed to give patients a perspective on analyzing Tom Cruise’s teeth from a dental standpoint. This can help inform them about oral health conditions and how they can affect their teeth. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any dental condition nor to criticize people for how their teeth look.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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